Weapons of mass destruction are nuclear, biological or chemical weapons that are capable of killing or injuring large numbers of people. Although some have argued that radiological material or so-called "dirty bombs" should also fall into this category, Avoiding Armageddon focuses on nuclear, biological or chemical weapons and the people who might use them. These weapons are the products of mankind's ingenuity that, as President Richard Nixon said when he banned chemical and biological weapons, "carry the seeds of mankind's destruction."

This section of the site offers an interactive map of the world, showing what nations have - or are pursuing - weapons of mass destruction. The overwhelming majority of these weapons lie stockpiled in the United States and Russia - the legal legacy of the Cold War arms race. But proliferation did not end with the Cold War. In fact, nuclear capability now lies in the hands of warring neighbors India and Pakistan, North Korea and has been actively pursued by Iraq.

Under-secured nuclear weapons and materials as well as other WMD materials are also being actively pursued by terrorists around the globe, edging the world ever closer to Armageddon.

This section also offers users clear definitions of these weapons, their symptoms,
if used, and treatments, if available. For more information, please refer to the Resources section or the Discussion Guide, which are both in the Get Involved
portion of this Web site.